Botswana’s pocket-sized music icon, Vee Mampeezy is a shining example of an artist who has risen from humble beginnings to become one of the most celebrated musicians in Botswana. With a combination of hard work, dedication, and passion, Vee Mampeezy has carved out a niche for himself and has consistently remained at the top of his game.
In this article, we take a deep dive into the life and career of the talented artist.
Early life and background
Born Odirile Sento, Vee Mampeezy grew up in a small village called Hukuntsi in Botswana. Despite his modest upbringing, he was determined to make a name for himself in the music industry. His passion for music was evident from a young age, and he spent countless hours honing his skills and developing his unique style.
Where it all started
Vee Mampeezy began his music career at the tender age of 16. His first taste of success came in 2001 with the release of his debut album, “Kasi Angels.” The album quickly gained popularity and set the stage for his future success. Over the years, Vee Mampeezy continued to release hit after hit, solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with in the African music scene.
Musical style and influences
Vee Mampeezy’s music can be described as a fusion of traditional African sounds and modern beats. His unique blend of kwaito, gospel, and house music genres has garnered him a loyal fan base that spans across the continent. He counts Brenda Fassie, Hugh Masekela, and Oliver Mtukudzi among his many music influences.
Collaborations and notable performances
Throughout his career, Vee Mampeezy has had the opportunity to collaborate with several prominent African artists. Some of his notable collaborations include working with South African kwaito star, Mandoza, and Nigerian dancehall artist, Patoranking. Vee Mampeezy has also graced the stage at numerous international music festivals and events, further cementing his status as a powerhouse in the industry.
Awards and accolades
Vee Mampeezy’s hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Over the years, he has racked up an impressive list of awards and accolades. Some of his most notable achievements include winning the Botswana Music Award for Best Kwaito Artist, the Metro FM Music Award for Best African Pop Album, and the Channel O Music Video Award for Most Gifted Kwaito Video.
Personal life and family
Beyond his music career, until last year, Vee Mampeezy was a devoted husband and father. He was married to his stunning high school sweetheart, Kagiso Sento. Unfortunately, there was trouble in paradise for Botswana’s power couple, and after a tumultuous marriage often peppered with all manner of drama, their marriage came to an end following a lengthy divorce process.
In happier times, Kagiso was a constant source of support and inspiration throughout Vee’s journey. The couple has two children together, and they often share glimpses of their family life on social media. Mmegi Online ran a report saying after the High Court granted Kagiso permission to dissolve her marriage to Vee, he pleaded with her to give their marriage another chance, but Kagiso wanted a clean break. According to the publication, the couple has shared custody of their children.
Taking to his Twitter account, Vee shared a heart-wrenching picture of him and his daughter and captioned it “A painful day to be alive, comforting my daughter.” once the divorce was finalised.
Before the power couple headed for Splitsville, their marriage turned into a rollercoaster ride often characterised by domestic abuse allegations that the local tabloids relished covering regularly.
Cracks started to appear after the couple became the subject of many a headline following an alleged domestic violence episode that reportedly erupted at their residence back in 2020.
Philanthropy – giving back
Vee Mampeezy is not only passionate about his music but also about giving back to his community. He is known for his involvement in various charitable endeavours, such as supporting local schools and sponsoring sports teams. In addition, Vee Mampeezy has used his celebrity status to raise awareness about important social issues, including HIV/AIDS prevention and mental health.
He celebrated his 40 years by donating food hampers to the communities as a way of giving back to Batswana, maintaining it shows his support of and love for Batswana.
Business ventures
In addition to his music career, the multi-award-winning star is also a savvy entrepreneur who has fingers in a few pies. He has been involved in several successful business ventures, including launching his own clothing line, Vee Mampeezy Wear, and opening a recording studio in Botswana. These ventures have allowed him to create additional opportunities for young artists in Botswana, contributing to the growth of the local music industry.
Recent Releases and Future Projects
Vee Mampeezy continues to dominate the African music scene with his recent releases. His 2020 addictive single, “I Love You,” garnered millions of views on YouTube. The equally hilarious music video featured his then-wife, gorgeous Kagiso. Fans can expect more exciting projects from Vee Mampeezy, as he shows no signs of slowing down.
Vee Mampeezy’s meteoric rise from humble beginnings to becoming one of Botswana’s most celebrated artists is truly inspiring. His unwavering determination and passion for music have allowed him to achieve great success in the industry. As he continues to break barriers and push boundaries, there is no doubt that Vee Mampeezy will remain a prominent figure in African music for years to come.
Article by YourBotswana Writer:
Kenalemodisa Kenford Ntsima is a keen Broadcast Journalist at Botswana’s YTV.
He studied Media and Design Studies at Limkokwing University and has worked as a Broadcast Designer & Publishing Specialist at LoveworldSat Television Station (South Africa).
